UST, Adamson draw first blood in UAAP softball, baseball finals

Ann Antolihao produced seven strikeouts as University of Santo Tomas repulsed Adamson University, 4-3, and move on the cusp of ending a long title drought in the UAAP softball tournament yesterday at the Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium.

The eight-peat seeking Lady Falcons, who could only muster five hits, were able to cut down the deficit to one in the bottom third but Antolihao's solid pitching shut them down the rest of the way.

Adamson University actually was at its best in the second inning, with Jeanette Rusia and Flor Pabiania belting consecutive homeruns for a 2-1 advantage.

"We will try to finish it on Friday," said Tigresses coach Sandy Barredo, referring to the potential clincher at 9:00 A.M. at the same Malate venue.

UST is gunning for its first softball title since the 2009-10 season.

CJ Roa, Tin Palma and Bianca Hernandez shone in the three-run third inning to give the Tigresses a 4-2 lead.

Adamson University's baseball team, making its first Finals appearance in eight years, carved out an abbreviated 14-4 victory over De La Salle to seize the 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series.

The Falcons, who last ruled the league in 2010, go for the clincher at 12 noon on Friday.

Coach Orlando Binarao was satisfied the way his troops played in the opener, as Adamson raced to a four-run lead and was in total control the rest of the way to close out the game in only seven innings.

"It's a good thing our sacrifices worked," said Binarao, aware of that most of the Green Batters have championship experience, having won a championship two years ago. "Actually, I always tell the players to be physically and mentally prepared."